KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – A Court assessor has advised judges to convict three men accused of murdering former Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Namazzi Kagezi, who was shot dead in Kampala in March 2015.
In her opinion assessor Judith Muhairwe told the International Crimes Division that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to prove the murder charges against John Kibuuka, John Massajage, also known as Mubiru Brian, Badru or Chongo, and Nasur Abdallah Mugonole.
Kagezi was shot dead on March 30, 2015, at around 7pm while seated in her vehicle.
Muhairwe said evidence from witnesses and a pathologist confirmed that Kagezi died from gunshot wounds to the neck and chest.
She added that the circumstances of the attack showed that the killing was unlawful and allegedly planned.
A prosecution witness reportedly identified Kibuuka as the person who shot Kagezi through the driver’s window. The witness also told court that the attackers fired shots into the air to disperse people before escaping on motorcycles.
The assessor further cited telephone analysis evidence that allegedly placed numbers linked to Kibuuka and Massajage near the scene at the time of the shooting.
The court also heard testimony about an alleged visit to a traditional healer in Kayunga after the murder. The healer reportedly told court that some individuals, including some of the accused, sought spiritual intervention to prevent the case from proceeding.
Muhairwe’s opinion is advisory, meaning the judges will make the final decision after considering the evidence and the law.
The prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of Daniel Kisekka Kiwanuka, who was initially charged alongside the three men. Kisekka pleaded guilty to participating in the murder and was sentenced to 35 years in prison under a plea agreement. He later testified against his former co-accused.
According to Kisekka, the group followed Kagezi on motorcycles before the shooting. He alleged that Kibuuka fired the fatal shots while the others helped in the operation and escape.
The three accused persons denied responsibility when they testified in their defence. They instead pointed to other individuals, including former Inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura and former senior police officer Nixon Agasirwe Karuhanga.
Mugonole also alleged that Kagezi had been monitored before her death. He claimed that her mobile phone was stolen and later returned with a tracking device. He further alleged that Kagezi had documents concerning Kayihura and had rejected an offer of Shs1 billion to surrender them.
Agasirwe and Abdulnoor Ssemujju, commonly known as Minana, are facing related murder charges in a separate case that is yet to be heard.
The trial is before a panel of four judges led by Justice Andrew Bashaija, alongside Justice Richard Wabwire Wejuli, Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma and Justice Duncan Gaswaga.
The case initially involved four accused persons, but Kisekka was convicted after pleading guilty. The arrest of suspects in connection with the murder took nearly nine years.
Muhairwe’s opinion is advisory, meaning the judges will make the final decision after considering the evidence and the law.
